UNITI HEALTH ILLNESS CONTINUUM PREPARED BY Mr Gireesh

UNIT-I HEALTH ILLNESS CONTINUUM PREPARED BY: Mr. Gireesh G. R

LEARNING OBJECTIVES • At the end of class the learner will be able to a) Describe the concept of health illness continuum b) Explain various factors affecting health

INTRODUCTION The health illness continuum is a graphic illustration of a well being , concept first proposed by John. W. Travis in 1972. It describes how wellbeing is more than simply an absence of illness , but also incorporates the individuals mental and emotional health. Travis believed that the standard approach to medicines , which assumes a person is well when there are no signs or symptoms of disease , was insufficient.

Composed of two arrows pointing in opposite direction and joined at a neutral point.

Movement to the right to the arrows (toward the high level of wellness) equals an increase in level of health and wellbeing • Achieved in three steps , • Awareness • Education • Growth

Movement to the left to the arrows (towards premature death) equates a progressively decreasing state of health. • Achieved in three steps, • Signs • Symptoms • Disability

Most important is the direction is the individual facing on the pathway A. If towards high level of health , a person has genuinely optimistic or positive out look despite his/ her health status. B. If towards premature death , a person has a genuinely pessimistic or negative out look about his or health status.

Compares treatment model with a wellness model, If treatment model is used , an individual can move right only to the neutral point. • Eg: A hypertensive client who only takes his medications without making any other life style changes. If wellness model is used , an individual can move right past the neutral point. • Eg : As hypertensive client not only takes medications but stops smoking , looses weight , starts an exercise programme etc.

• FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH • Physiological factors and genetic factors • Physiological changes e. g. pregnancy and certain genetic factors cause increased susceptibility to illness. • Age: As age increases, there is increased susceptibility to certain illnesses. • Environment: The physical environment in which a person works or lives can increase the likelihood of certain illness.

FACTORS INFLUENCING HEALTH Lifestyle factors: lifestyle practices, habits, activities, behaviors, have a positive or negative effect on health.

Conclusion • The Illness-Wellness Continuum has been viewed as promoting preventive treatment, which improves wellbeing before an individual presents with signs or symptoms of illness, as well as educating people to be aware of and avoid risk factors, in order to protect against pathology and premature death.

EVALUATION Questions 1. Define health illness continuum? 2. List down the factors affecting health?

THANK YOU